“Thank you.”
These were two words the mother of Juraimi Jumari’s deceased colleague said to him as he handed her the cheque—a common phrase for an uncommon situation that left an impact on Juraimi’s life.
Juraimi had attempted to contact a former colleague who was hitting retirement age. Only to find out from his colleagues that she had passed away six months prior.
He resolved to contact her next-of-kin, who happened to be her mother and present an NTUC Gift from the Education Services Union (ESU) to ease her financial strains and assure her that the union is always supporting her.
This is one of the many instances where Juraimi, a seemingly shy character, shows his unwavering care for workers.
Always for Their Welfare
I met Juraimi at the ESU’s meeting room, which has a colourful ESU wall decorated with their motto and goals.
Juraimi is one of the 31 Comrade of Labour Award recipients at this year’s NTUC May Day Awards, an event that recognises union leaders, tripartite partners and model workers who have significantly contributed to the betterment of workers’ lives.
The Comrade of Labour awardee tells me that his journey started 10 years ago as a Union Leader, where he went above and beyond by assisting senior NUS workers with their difficulties in grasping technology.
“I would meet up with all these senior colleagues who are not trained in computers. And sometimes they don’t claim any time off either. I made them aware of their rights and would help them reply to emails, too. This dedication caught the attention of the NUS union committee chairman, who invited me to join the ESU committee.”
A Voice for Workers
Juraimi always provides a voice for his fellow workers when the going gets tough. He unwaveringly approaches management on their behalf.
“I think I had to step forward [to become a union leader] and build a bridge to narrow the gap between staff and management. So that’s why I’m involved in any grievances or issues. I step forward to take it up and share it with management. And, of course, it’s a thankless job, but I do it with heart.’’
And that is how he fights for union members.
The Unwavering Push for Fair Wages
Juraimi’s role as ESU’s general treasurer involves advocating fair wages across NUS, a cause he is incredibly passionate about.
His efforts include negotiating for fair wages annually in the third quarter of the year when the NUS branch committee discusses annual increments and performance bonuses.
He acknowledged the preparations and work that goes into ensuring NUS workers are fairly compensated.
“We show management the facts, including the years worked and the contributions made. We have to share them.
“These negotiations are challenging and require strong negotiation skills, but they are essential for ensuring fair compensation for workers,” he said.
His push for equal wages affected not only current workers but also displaced ones. Juraimi successfully procured an increase from $1000 to a one-month salary for disclosed NUS workers.
A Member Beyond Employment
To further ensure that his workers were taken care of, Juraimi advocated with ESU for a complimentary two-year membership for employees after employment.
“We don’t want displaced workers to be left out alone. There is always somebody behind them. We can link them up with e2i for any job issues. The privileges and entitlements they can enjoy without any disruption. Being a union member means you have a fallback plan if you’re displaced.”
Here for U
Juraimi cannot imagine a life without joining ESU, where he tirelessly pursues workers’ rights and welfare.
Juraimi said: “Without my role as a union leader, I wouldn’t have pursued my Diploma in Employment Development by OTCi and SUSS in 2020 or gained the valuable learning opportunities that come from handling individual and collective cases.
“We’ve always been negotiating the best for our workers. We have used our utmost abilities to find what is best for them. I always share my number with them, where they can always call or email me. I will be there to support them. That’s what I can assure them. I’m always there for our workers.”
Hopes for Workers’ Future
Despite acknowledging the challenges workers may face in the future, Juraimi remains hopeful that the Labour Movement will continue to lend a helping hand.
“I hope the union continues to advocate for better wages, improved welfare, and enhanced work prospects for our workers. It’s essential for us to adapt to the changing work landscape and ensure that our members prosper.”